Archive for August, 2009

In my last post I had mentioned Steve Irwin. At that time I had know idea about him.

After doing my research I came to know that Steve Irwin loved the wildlife, specially repetiles and developed crocodile capture and rescue techniques that are now used all around the world. He started the Crocodile Hunter documentary sereis, Croc Diaries, Croc Files, New Breed Vets, Ghosts of War and Bindi: The Jungle Girl. These programs are now seen worldwide.

His parents started Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park in 1970, located on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Steve worked passionately to improve and expand his wildlife park. He re-named it as Australia Zoo in 1998.

He was born on 22 February, 1962 and died on 4th September, 2006. He was hit in the chest by a Stingray’s (A kind of fish) barb while he was snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. Australia Zoo is outcome of his hard work, his vision and dreams.

We caught the train from Roma street Rail Station at 8:05 a.m. for the Beerwah station. It took almost 75 minutes to reach Beerwah. From Beerwah rail station we took the shuttle, run by australia zoo, which took us to destination in just 5 minutes.

At the entrance there was a metallic “Family Statue” of Irwins, holding a crocodile. I admired that and asked who were they? “You don’t know Steve Irwin and his family???” A friend of mine questioned, surprisingly.(Just like the Orient PSPO advertisement – “ye PSPO nahi jaanta”). He was (he is no more) the CROCODILE HUNTER and australia zoo is home of his family.

Ok, I will do my research on Irwins later, lets checkout the zoo – I told myself.

The day started with the zoo staff members holding the snakes, lizards in their hands as if they were the most vulnerable and harmless creatures. How close were they to those repetiles, I can’t think of doing that even in my dreams. There were turtles, crocodiles…….

At 10:30 a.m. it was the time for Elephant Feed – visitors were allowed to feed the elephants with fruits – it was fun for kids. We headed to Crocoseum to catch the 11 a.m. show. It was a kind of open air theatre – around 5000 seats and a ground / stage in the middle. Trained Staff members called upon various colorful birds, asian elephants, snakes and crocodiles. A crocodile was fed by a lady and after satisfying his hunger he laid quitely under the sun. It was amazing to see the closeness of Human being and the animals … I was wondering – If animals can understand our language and respond well to us why we humans fight with each other on some differences? ?

There was an awesome choreographic preformence by Korean dancers and in the end a song was sung to pay a tribute to Steve Irwin – their hero.

It was the time for meeting KOALAS – the most cuddly animals on the earth, i guess. It was giving an impression of a soft toy kept on a tree. So soft and not disturbed by the presence of humans. We all patted the Koala who was cuddling a staff member. Then facts about camels. A small Kids Zoo was there where kids could feed calves, goats, sheeps and see pups and piglets. there was a competition among kids to feed the animals – and immediately after that everybody was offered a handwash.

At 1:45 p.m. we headed to the food court for lunch. The staff members entertained us with python around their neck, birds sitting happily on their arms and koala in their lap.

Then we met the brush turkey (common in parks and backyard gardens) and Cassowary (endangered species)- it is a flightless bird and very tall, the tallest one I’ve seen; next to ostrich and emu and prefers fruits to other things. Watching the fauna with delight we entered the Roo Heaven – home to kangaroos and wallabies. But we met the Echidna first. I read about this spiny ant eater in my graduation and had never imagined that one day I would be meeting the animal. Its a monotreme – an egg laying mammal (nowadays found only in Australia and New Guinea) and has spines covering the body. We bought the kangaroo food and headed towards the kangaroos. They were accepting their food by humans very generously, allowing us to capture them. I was really amazed by the morphology – two short limbs, two long limbs, a very strong tail which is used while sitting and a “Pouch” (marsupium). A baby was trying to get inside the marsupium of his mother – its very difficult to describe that moment. We spent ample time with kangaroos feeding them..

Wait , there was a pony ride for kids. Kids wearing helmet enjoyed a small ride on a pony, accompanied by a staff member. South East Asia Section had tigers and elephants..and a Temple of Ganesh Bhagwan.

Ohh..it was 4 p.m. and we had to catch the last shuttle at 4:10 p.m. in order to reach the Beerwah rail station. We ran to the entrance and got the shuttle on time. From station the train started at 6:30 p.m. and we reached caboolture from where we took another train for CBD/Roma street station.

All my way in the train I was sitting completely quiet, thanking God for giving me the privilege to get an insight into a small portion of his huge and amazing creation. All I can say that Nature is Wonderful – love it and respect it.

This is a Ghazal, sung by Ghazal maestero Jagjit Singh and is close to my heart. It beautifully tells about the agony of a person who is living far away from his home, his near and dear ones; how he is missing them and how he thinks he is missed by them.

On 15th August I was also feeling the same….. It was our 62th Independence Day. Something inside me was hollow, there was something I was missing…

What is my contributin to my country??I kept asking myself.

Since I was born in an independent India, there was no need to fight for freedom. I am blessed that I got freedom since birth. Then, where is my contribution for India?? Thinking deeply I came out with following resolutions, in order to serve my country –

I will continue paying my bills and taxes honestly and on time.

I will try to conserve natural resources as much as possible.

I will save electricity as much as I can.

I will try to reduce my dependence on plastic/polythene bags.

I will try to encourage my friends for minimizing/quitting smoking and drinking – a healthy India will be more safe and secure.

I will always respect national property like railways, parks, museums, etc.

I will always dispose litter in proper place.

Being outside India right now, I will never do anything which could defame my country and fellow indians.

Being a common man these things came to my mind and I’m feeling much relieved now, that I’ve my share of contribution for my country.

Jai Hind !!

A Beautiful place to visit in Brisbane city(Queensland,Australia) is TheRoma street Parkland. I’m a regular visitor these days since I can’t resist meeting the flora (mainly) and fauna of the place. Infact my concept of a “park” has changed now. It is a HUGE area of GREEN space with changing landscapes. It has a well decorated and well maintained spectacle garden within which you can find almost any colour present on the earth. The display of blooms changes according to the change in season and thats why the color of landscape changes. In addition to flowers, there are herbs, water features and art works to soothe the eyes.

Then, there is the lake precinct with walkways and lawns making it a perfect place for picnic.

Exploring The forest and fern gully feels like wandering through subtropical rainforest. It shows a huge collection of ferns. The mist created, adds more to the effect.

The upper parkland is loved by children since it has playground and recreational area. Children from schools participate in various activities and contribute their share to the Park. A good news for the wheelchair users – There is a liberty swing specially for them !

The basic facilities are good and ample. Volunteers are always appreciated here. Also, there is a huge lawn at the entrance (near the roma street station); I guess there is one entrance; which is a place for major community events (cerebral palsy awareness programme on 1st august, sri krishna janmaashtami celebration on 23rd august) and nearby there is a barbeque area. So what are you waiting for ?? Come , roam in The Roma, play, relax, do your barbeque and enjoy your day!!

You can reach there by Roma Street Rail Station – Come to Platform 10, take right and come out of station, cross the road, take elevator and you have reached there. Another entry is through Albert Street Footbridge.